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Rooted in Grace

"See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many."

According to Hebrews 12:15, bitterness is an “attitude” of the heart that grows where there is a shortage of grace. Roots grow downward, going deeper while becoming embedded when fed with a constant diet of compromise, unforgiveness and judgment. The root of bitterness also nourishes other sins to grow upward and outward, “causing trouble” and “defiling many” other people. As roots lie under ground, unseen and undiscovered; which are bitter ones in their effects, bringing ruin and swift destruction. These often spring up in churches, while ministers and members are asleep, not as diligent and watchful as they should be. Spiritual poisons are very infectious and defiling.

When a Christian fails to embrace with steadfastness the wholesome grace of God, corruption will prevail and break forth like an infectious disease. Beware lest there reside any unmortified lusts or sins in the heart, which may seem to be dead. They can again spring up to cause trouble, such as bitterness causing the whole person disruption. Carelessly wandering away from Christ by our daily choices can be subtle and not immediately recognized. Waywardness is the fruit of those preferring the delights of the flesh over the blessings of God, and the heavenly inheritance, as Esau did. It resonates with our fallen dispositions to desire the blessings in life, yet to ignore the means whereby the blessing is to be realized. Be certain there is always set before us the allurements to apostasy presented by the great adversary of our souls.

Deuteronomy 29:18, though not formally quoted, is probably consider when writing this passage in Hebrews. In that chapter Moses had again brought before the people the covenant which, nearly forty years before, had been made and ratified “in Horeb” (see Hebrews 9:18-20). With a solemn word, he sets before them the sin and terrible punishment of idolatry, “Lest there should be among you man or woman . . . whose heart turneth away this day from the Lord our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood.” The last words (“poisonous herb”) explains their true meaning—that which springs from the root is not merely bitter, it is also poisonous. While one who is in love with the world amidst a community might bring into it a distinct poison, so one apostate from the Christian faith will too bring trouble and defilement upon their covenant body of Christ. In Acts 8:23, Peter makes reference to the same chapter of Deuteronomy as he speaks to Simon Magus, who above all other men, proved a root of bitterness could poison a church body.

With the greatest attention, watchfulness, and care for yourselves and each other; Christ has ordained that the members of the same church or society mutually watch over one another and the whole body over all the members. In general, any corruption, in either doctrine or practice, is a defilement which springing up, could trouble others and defile many. Lest any who are not following after holiness, should be found fallen into the snares of sin, particularly opposed to that holiness which the apostle has been exhorting the believing Hebrews to press after, as an attainment without which they should not see the Lord. Without purposeful effort to seek holiness by means of the Spirit, we cannot spiritually see or functionally abide in God through Christ.

May the Lord by His grace, favor us with his mercy, to persuade us to seek Him faithfully. "...with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming." 1 Peter 1:13

Sometimes God amazes me with dreams, and when I wake, you've shared something that pertains to the dream right to the letter. I am in AWE! Thank you for so much clarification and verification that my dreams are from God!!